Melo Group Purchases Entire City Block in Edgewater to Build a Four Tower Development
Melo Group has recently purchased an entire 3.04-acre city block for $105 million in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood with the intention of establishing a huge development.
The entire block extends from Biscayne Boulevard to Northwest Second Avenue between Northeast 17th Street and Northeast 17th Terrace with the primary address as 1700 Biscayne Blvd.
The sellers of the land are Biscayne Arts LLC, Biscayne Arts Plaza LLC, Brickell North Investments, and Miami Proarts II but the press release stated that the land is managed by James Goldstein in Fort Lauderdale. They have owned the property for decades and the current block features 2 office buildings, parking lots, and a Burger King.
The Melo Group plans to develop four 60 story towers with condos, apartments, and retail space with the condo units totaling 1,520 residential units. The property was purchased for $105 million at $69,000 per buildable unit.
According to a representative of the Melo Group, “the Biscayne Place sale marks the highest price per square foot for any non-waterfront property in Miami’s Arts & Entertainment District and the second-highest in Edgewater.”
The Melo Group has built more than 6,000 condos in the city throughout the last 20 years with a majority of its projects located in Edgewater as well as the Arts & Entertainment District. If this property moves forward, this will be the largest development that the Melo Group has built in Miami.
Developers for Legacy Hotel & Residences Receives Third Largest Construction Loan Ever in Florida
Developer Dan Kodsi’s Royal Palm Companies recently received a $340 million construction loan for Legacy Hotel & Residences. New York-based real estate lending joint venture Silverstein Capital Partners, provided the loan for a condo-hotel construction tower that will be located in Downtown Miami at Miami Worldcenter.
According to a press release, the financing is the third-largest construction loan ever made in Florida, behind two others for projects in Miami-Dade. The other two loans were for the building of The Estates at Acqualina in Sunny Isles Beach ($558 million) and Five Park in Miami Beach ($345 million).
Legacy Hotel & Residences began selling in late 2019 and despite the pandemic, it is already entirely pre-sold, with $160 million in sales.
The luxury tower located at 942 Northeast First Avenue, will rise 50 stories at 668 feet tall making it the second tallest tower at Miami Worldcener. This mixed-use development will feature 312 residential units, 262 luxury hotel rooms, a business center, medical office, retail space, and rooftop atrium.
The residences will include studio to 2 bedroom floor plans with 368 to 964 square feet options. The units will be fully finished and furnished. One of the unique things about Legacy is that residents will be able to rent their units without any restrictions. This includes utilizing a short-term rental company, whether its the Legacy’s rental program, Airbnb, or VRBO.
Not only is this loan one of the largest construction loans in Florida but this is also Silverstein Capital Partner’s first South Florida loan. Larry Silverstein of Silverstein Properties is an affiliate of the financial group and also led the development of the World Trade Center after 9/11.
Kobi Karp Architects, Design Agency, and ID & Design International designed the structure.
The ground-breaking for Legacy Hotel & Residences occurred in August 2021 and is expected to reach top-off in 2024.
The Hottest Art Basel Events Remaining
Art Basel Miami is here and we’ve seen some of the hottest exhibitions, art, and parties that have taken place in Miami. These included the Dior Medallion Chair Exhibition, the Chanel No. 5 Centenary Celebration, the Confidante x Museum of Graffiti Skatepark, and so much more! Art Basel isn’t just about a week-long of art exhibits, it’s about expression, creativity, and of course, fun! We have compiled the hottest events for the rest of the week!
Exhibitions:
Empowering the Creators of Culture- Nft now x Christie’s Present “The Gateway”
Immerse yourself in a journey of discovery at nft now x Christie’s Art Basel 2021 gallery, The Gateway, a celebration of the NFT community and its achievements. Just as creators have been reclaiming the financial systems, we’ve taken over a 23,000 square foot darkened floor at a Miami bank building, transforming it into a maze of rooms that encourages attendees to use their senses to explore the space that now features carefully curated pieces from trailblazing artists. When: Friday, December 3-Opened to the public but registration is required.
Playboy & BIGBUNNY Present A Night of the Surreal
Playboy, the legendary lifestyle brand, will present an extraordinary evening at Casa Tua to unveil their surrealist perspective on Miami Art Week in honor of BIG BUNNY. The event will include newly commissioned pieces by Nina McNeely, Maurice Harris, Miranda Makaroff, Filip Custic, and Maria Forqué, as well as a selection of surrealist work from Playboy’s library, as well as DJ sets by Mona Matsuoka, Mia Moretti, and Boys Noize. When: Friday, December 3
Pop Up Shows
Pimp Your Bag with Olivia Steele and Vee Collective
Olivia Steele, a modern visual artist, will be personalizing Vee Collective bags from 1 to 7 p.m. at Showfields Miami. Vee Collective bags are made from 100 percent recyclable materials and have simple aesthetics that are ideal for travel, sports, shopping, or leisure. Olivia Steele will provide free customization to guests who purchase a Vee Collective bag. When: Friday, December 3
Marea Pop-up at Osteria Morini
Altamarea Group’s Marea will be in Miami for two days exclusively during Art Basel. This dinner series, held on the patio of the Kimpton Hotel, which also houses Altamarea Group’s younger sibling restaurant, Osteria Morini, will offer some of Marea’s characteristic dishes, including the famed octopus fusilli. From Friday, December 3rd through Saturday, December 4th, guests can enjoy a four-course tasting menu with carefully chosen wine-pairing for $375 per person at the Marea pop-up. When: Friday, December 3rd and Saturday, December 4th, Reservations can be made here.
Parties
E11EVEN Miami’s Line-up
The party will continue over the weekend, with a performance by Migos on Friday, December 3rd, and a special act to be revealed on Saturday night. Carnage + Bia will close up the long weekend with a live concert on Sunday, December 5th. 11miami.com
A-Trak & Friends
Chromeo, Dillon Francis, Boys Noise, Roger Sanchez, Kito, and Jubilee are among the cast members. Friday, 9 p.m., at Oasis Wynwood, 2335 N. Miami Ave., Miami. RSVP at tixr.com for free admission.
Donavan’s Yard
Sango, Kitty Cash, and the Sound Club also appear. 1-800-Lucky, 143 NW 23rd St., Miami; 305-768-9826; 1800lucky.com, 9 p.m. Friday. RSVP at eventbrite.com for free admission.
Essential
Miguel Migs, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, Dan. K, and Julie McKnight also star. No. 3 Social, 50 NW 24th St., Miami; 305-748-4540; no3social.com, 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets range from $20 to $35 and may be purchased at eventbrite.com.
NADA Afterparty
10 p.m. Friday, at Center for Subtropical Affairs, 7145 NW First Ct., Miami; cstamiami.org.
Lizzo
Saturday, at 9 p.m., at the Miami Beach Edition, 2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-257-4500; editionhotels.com. The in-person event is by invitation only; livestream tickets range from $9.99 to $262.99 and are available at live-now.com.
Art, Blues, & Soul Festival
3 p.m. Saturday at African Heritage Cultural Arts, 6161 NW 22nd Ave., Miami; 305-638-6771; ahcacmiami.org. With Chrisette Michelle, Glenn Jones, and Jon B. Tickets range from $35 to $85 and are available at eventbrite.com.
Michael Bibi B2B Loco Dice, Luciano, and Art Department
Saturday, 4 p.m., at Factory Town, 4800 NW 37th Ave., Miami. Tickets range from $15 to $150 and are available at eventbrite.com.
Rock the Bells: Yacht the Basel
Kasha Paige, Just Blaze, DJ Millie, DJ Steve, DJ Nyla Symone, and DJ C-Stylez join the cast. Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m., at the Seafari Mega Yacht, Chopin Plaza, Miami. RSVP at eventbrite.com for free admission.
Basel Is Lucky
Art Department, Cocodrills, Andrea 10seconds, and Nelson Diaz will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday at 1-800-Lucky, 143 NW 23rd St., Miami; 305-768-9826; Admission is free before midnight; tickets cost $20 at eventbrite.com.
Miki Beach
Philipp Jung, Seth Schwarz, Dude Skywalker, Nii Tei, Alex Cecil, Iman Rizky, Freak the Disco, and others appear in this film. ATV Records, 1306 N. Miami Ave., Miami; 305-456-5613; atvrecords.com, 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $30 through ra.co.
Smart Brickell Tower 3 Coming Soon
Smart Brickell is one of the newest condo-hotel projects located in the heart of West Brickell. This mixed-use development will comprise three towers total that features 170 condos and 150 hotel rooms spanning over the three towers.
The most unique thing about the Smart Brickell Tower, besides its futuristic design, the smart technology is so advanced that it will set the stage for all pre-construction towers going forward. Some of the smart features include Lifx Wi-Fi enabled LED smart bulbs, Samsung’s digital home appliances, concierge app, and Nest thermostats.
Tower 1 rises 26 stories featuring 50 condos with 1 to 2 bedroom floor plan options. Floor plans will range from 558 to 1117 square feet starting at $318,000. The first 7 floors will feature a boutique-style hotel managed by Habitat Hotels with floors 11-23 will be condos.
Units will be fully furnished and finished. Top-off was completed in May 2021. The exterior is still will be completed with stucco and prime paint has started on the south facade. Interior drywall and framing is 90% complete.
Tower 2 will feature 50 condos as well as 50 hotel rooms with one to two-bedroom floor plans. Units will also be fully furnished and finished and can be rented up to 50 times a year on a short-term basis like Airbnb. Completion for tower 2 is anticipated for 2022.
Construction on Tower 3 will begin soon and will feature 20 condos and 100+ hotel rooms. These units will also be fully finished and furnished.
On the ground level, the development will feature 12,000 square feet of commercial space with retail, a cafe, and a restaurant.
Building Features
25 Story tower designed by the well-known architect, Hernando Carrillo
The building is Leed certified
One assigned parking space per unit in secured parking garage plus valet parking services
Electric car charging stations
24 Hour concierge and security services
The café is on the ground level
Stunning amenity deck located on the 8th floor with landscaped recreational area and expansive terrace
Resort-style pools with lap area and sun deck
In-water lounge chairs near a waterfall
Spa and wellness center
Fully-equipped business center on the 9th floor
Chic and spacious event room on the 10th floor
Sky fitness center located on the 24th floor
Lounge bar located on the 25th floor
Wi-Fi throughout the lobby and amenity deck
Residence Features
Renowned design firm, Arquitectonica Interiors, designed the units that take full advantage of every square foot
Each unit is equipped with smart, Wi-Fi enabled features to compliment the look and feel of the future of living including Nest thermostat, Lifx Wi-Fi enabled LED smart bulbs and Amazon echo/Alexa home and personal assistant
City-view terraces with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
Every residence has the ease to always be in control from the comfort of their smartphone with the Concierge App
The kitchen will be fully equipped with Bosch and Samsung appliances and contemporary cabinetry
The penthouse is located on the 23rd floor and has 12-foot ceilings
You Could Have Your Own Regalia Penthouse for $25.5 Million
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Miller
Located at the Regalia, this 15,000 square foot penthouse is an absolute dream and it could be yours for $25.5 million. In a time where luxury penthouses have been selling quickly and real estate records keep breaking, at this price point plus all of the features and amenities, this penthouse unit is a steal.
The location of the Regalia is unmatched, placing it centrally in Sunny Isles Beach with the ocean just steps from the luxury tower. Located at 19575 Collins Avenue #PH43, this unit has a bird’s eye view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Miami skyline. Featuring 6 bedrooms, 7 full baths, and 2 half baths, this full-floor unit is placed at the very top of the tower spreading over 3 floors.
Upon entering the luxury unit, you are greeted with soaring 20-foot ceilings, a custom rainfall chandelier, and floor-to-ceiling windows with endless ocean views. The Blanco Sevilla stone floors lead to the custom Poliform kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. The kitchen also features smoky quartz counters with Kreon lighting.
The floating staircase takes you to a separate floor where the expansive master is anything but ordinary. This suite is perfectly finished with remarkable ocean views from every corner and the grand bathroom with its Calacatta marble expanding over the floors and walls. According to the listing, there is over $1 million in imported Calacatta.
As you ascend from the pneumatic glass elevator to the private rooftop, an outdoor pool, summer kitchen, and custom bar awaits. The entire unit features Blanco Sevilla Stone and Nikzad flooring throughout, Kreon lighting, Crestron Smart home automation, and Lualdi Italian Interior doors.
This remarkable tower was designed by Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica and decorated by Charles Allem of CAD International, a world-renowned South African designer. The Regalia is the epitome of perfection and luxury. What’s so unique about this tower is the 39 full-floor residences. Each residence expands 5,515 square feet of living space with private elevator entries and 2,100 square feet of wrap-around terraces.
Regalia Amenities
Smart Building
Yoga/Meditation Room
Oceanfront Jacuzzi
5-Star International Concierge Services
Cold Plunge Pool
Private Poolside Cabanas
Finishes with the Finest Stone, Wood, Glass, and Wall Coverings
State-of-the-Art Fitness Center
Professionally Trained Spa Manager
Private Poolside Cabanas
Fountains, Privacy Landscaping, and 24-Hour Valet
This incredible listing is currently up for auction and will be sold to the highest bidder on December 16, 2021. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at the Regalia, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.
ARod Backed-Grand Station Apartment Tower is Complete and 80% Leased
Construction on Miami’s Grand Station Apartment tower has been completed. Alex Rodriguez and his partner Ricardo Vadio, owners of Rovr Development are the investors behind the $70 million construction project that was built on top of the existing Courthouse Center Garage.
Not only has ARod backed the construction of the project but his company Monument Real Estate Services is also the property Manager of Grand Station Apartments.
In early March 2020, partners for Grand Station obtained a $53 million loan from Saperian Capital to assist with the construction. Since Grand Station received their temporary certificate of occupancy in August, they have reached over 80% leased for the tower.
The tower located at 240 North Miami Avenue rises 30 stories and feature 300 units right in the heart of downtown. The development is a part of a public/private partnership with the Miami Parking Authority, which has assisted in adding an additional 350 spaces for the building totaling 1,200.
The tower features studio to 2 bedroom apartments with a monthly rent that ranges from $1,800 to $2,500. All units boast Italian kitchen cabinets, quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, and an in-unit washer and dryer.
The luxury tower amenities include an indoor pool, rooftop terrace with pool, outdoor kitchen, hot tubs, fitness center, and club room.
Zyscovich Architects and Anillo, Toledo, Lopez LLC are responsible for the design of Grand Station.
Rovr along with the Related Group and Airbnb are the masterminds behind the new development, The District located at 225 North Miami Avenue.
Miami Real Estate Breaks Another Record for August 2021
The Miami-Dade real estate market keeps smashing records over and over! For August 2021, a new record was set for the most homes sold in a quarter for Q2 in 2021. In April alone, we saw the best sales month in the history of Miami Dade county. Now, another record was set with the best August sales month in history!
There are multiple reasons for these records breaking, which include companies and executives moving their businesses to Florida in the masses, lower taxes than other states, record-low mortgage rates, and reduced covid restrictions.
Total homes sales surged 30.6% for August 2021 with an increase to 3,299 from 2,527 properties in 2020. There was a slight decrease in sales for single-family homes at 3.5% sliding from 1,357 to 1,309 from August of last year. However, we did see a 70.1% increase in condo sales from 1,170 to 1,990 compared to last year.
All price ranges have also increased for August 2021, especially in the $300,000 and higher range. The median sales price for single-family homes is up 20.3%, placing the average price at $500,500. Condo median prices are also up from the previous year from $265,000 to $335,000.
Insufficient inventory has also impacted sales. We have seen less inventory specifically for single-family homes which has decreased by 27.4% for August 2021 and 41.9% for condominiums.
Single-family luxury homes have also increased by 68.8% with 258 sales than 2020. Luxury condo sales increased by 217.1% with 222 sales.
Total volume for Miami-Dade real estate reached $2.5 billion in August 2021, with single-family homes increasing from 37.4% at $1.4 billion. Condo volume also increased from $490.8 million to $1.1 billion, at 129.2%.
Cash sales have also played a huge role in transactions. Buyers are paying cash at asking or over asking prices for listings. Cash sales represented 38.9% of all closed transactions for August. Cash sales accounted for 47.6% of condo sales and 25.8% of single-family sales.
Miami is on track to have its best year in sales for condos and single-family transactions ever. Within 8 months, total sales have already surpassed 2020’s numbers at 26,931 from 26,345 (2020). The highest year for sales in Miami was in 2013 at 30,041 total transactions.
Avalon Merrick Park Tower Under Construction in Miami
Photo Credit: L & R Structural Corp., Inc.
Avalon Merrick Park is a new construction apartment tower located at 3811 Shipping Avenue in Miami. The 20-story tower will be located near the Douglas Road Metrorail Station.
When it was originally proposed by the developer, Mast Capital, it was named Shipping Avenue Apartments. After AvalonBay Communities purchased the properties for $12.9 million, AvalonBay entered into a joint venture on the project after Mast Capital took it through the approval process. Mast will remain a partner and is the co-developer for this project.
The shell contractor is L&R Structural and the architect will include Arquitectonica.
Avalon Merrick Park will feature 254 residential units with a studio to 3 bedroom floor plan options. The tower will also include 10,000 + square feet of amenities with the main floor housing 825 square feet of retail space. An 8-story attached garage will feature 319 parking spaces.
Building Amenities
State-of-the-art fitness center with professional-grade cardio and strength equipment
Rooftop, resort-style pool and sundeck with BBQ area and seating
Pet-friendly living with WAG Pet Spa
Coworking space including workspace pods and reservable conference rooms
WiFi access available in common areas
Package lockers for 24/7 package acceptance
Smoke-free living
Controlled access garage parking
Bike storage
Easily accessible to retail and dining, including the Shops at Merrick Park
One mile to Coral Gables and convenient to Downtown Miami, Brickell, and Coconut Grove
Residence Amenities
Studio, one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans
Modern kitchens with quartz countertops, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, LED lighting, and hard surface flooring
Washer/Dryer in all homes
Walk-in closets
Air conditioning
Avalon Merrick Park is centrally located near retail, shopping, and dining. Located 1 mile from Coral Gables and 5 miles from downtown Miami. Leasing begins in 2023 with construction completion in early 2024.
Legacy Hotel & Residences Breaks Ground
Photo Credit: owpbrokers
The highly anticipated Legacy Hotel & Residences finally broke ground today at the development site located at 942 NE 1st Avenue in the heart of downtown Miami. In attendance was Ken Russell (City of Miami Commissioner), representatives of Royal Palm Companies, and Peggy Olin (Owp Property representative).
Also known as Legacy Miami Worldcenter, Legacy is one of the newest pre-construction residential towers located in Park West Miami. The luxury tower will rise 50 stories at 668 feet tall making it the second tallest tower at Miami Worldcener. This tower sold out of all the units prior to the groundbreaking and is the first development to sell out prior to construction.
This mixed-use development will feature 312 residential units, 262 luxury hotel rooms, a business center, medical office, retail space, and rooftop atrium with all of the luxury amenities a 5-star hotel could offer.
The residences will include studio to 2 bedroom floor plans with 368 to 964 square feet options. The units will be fully finished and furnished. One of the unique things about Legacy is that residents will be able to rent their units without any restrictions. This includes utilizing a short-term rental company, whether its the Legacy’s rental program, Airbnb, or VRBO.
CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION
DEVELOPER: ROYAL PALM COMPANIES
ARCHITECT: KOBI KARP
DESIGNER: ID & DESIGN INTERNATIONAL
HOTEL AREAS (GROUND LEVEL AND PEDESTAL)
SPECTACULAR 40 FT. HIGH LOBBY WITH GLASS ELEVATORS
SIGNATURE INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT
FULL-SERVICE CAFÉ WITH LOCALLY SOURCED BAKED GOODS
FIRST OF ITS KIND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LOUNGE
GRAND BALLROOM AND EVENT SPACES
SHUL WITH KOSHER KITCHEN
ONE ACRE POOL DECK (9TH FLOOR)
LARGEST DOWNTOWN HOTEL POOL DECK
MULTIPLE WATER FEATURES AND FULL-SERVICE POOL
SIGNATURE RESTAURANT SERVING ALL MEALS
BAR AND LOUNGE
LUXURIOUS DECK FURNITURE
LUSH LANDSCAPING
PLUSH CABANAS
ROOFTOP ATRIUM AND EVENT SPACE
DECADENT LOUNGE WITH SEATING AMIDST GARDENS
FULL-SERVICE BAR FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SEATING
CANTILEVERED, INFINITY-EDGE, SINGAPORE INSPIRED POOL 500-FEET IN THE AIR
ROOFTOP SUNDECK WITH ENDLESS DOWNTOWN VIEWS
PLENTIFUL EVENT SPACE
CENTER FOR HEALTH & PERFORMANCE
50,000 SQ FT MEDICAL CLINIC WITH SUITES FOR HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE
DIAGNOSTICS AND TECHNOLOGY
VIP HEALTH CLUB WITH OPERATING ROOMS AND PRIVATE VIP ENTRANCE
ADVANCED PERFORMANCE TESTING CENTER
WELLNESS (SOME COSTS MAY APPLY BASED ON USAGE AND PROCEDURES)
MEDICAL FITNESS WITH PRESCRIPTION FOR HEALTH
VITALITY SPA
FITNESS STUDIOS
SPORTS MEDICINE/PHYSICAL THERAPY
EUROPEAN STYLED STEAM ROOM
RELAXING SAUNA
ALTITUDE TRAINING ROOM
CRYOTHERAPY CHAMBERS
JUICE/BEVERAGE BAR
IV NUTRITION THERAPY
All but 2 of the 312 units have sold for a combined value of $212 million. Average prices range between $350,000 to $2 million. Royal Palms closed on the construction loan in May 2021. Legacy Hotel & Residences is expected to be completed by 2024.
